Naproxen

What is the brand name for this medicine?
Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn

What is this medicine used for?
This medicine is used for patients who have inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and mild to moderate pain from an injury. It can also be used for fever, gout, or acute migraine headaches.

How is this medicine used?
This medication works by decreasing inflammation which can be a source of pain in injuries or arthritis. This also reduces fever and reduces migraine headache pain.

What if I miss a dose?
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

How is this medicine stored?
Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Keep away from heat and light.

Are there side effects?
This medicine is generally well-tolerated but most often cause stomach upset. Taking it with food can reduce this side effect. It can also cause dizziness, heartburn, fluid retention, or a ringing in the ears called tinnitus, but these are less common.  If you experience these or other side effects that are bothersome to you, notify your doctor or pharmacist.

Are there precautions with this medicine?
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a history aspirin or NSAID induced asthma, peptic ulcer disease, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), or kidney disease.

Can I take this medicine if I’m pregnant or breast-feeding?
For women, this medicine should not be used during the third trimester of pregnancy.  If you suspect that you may be pregnant, talk to you doctor before using this medication.  For nursing mothers, ibuprofen is considered safe to use while breast-feeding.

Does this medicine interact with other drugs?
This medication may interact with other blood pressure medications, or other anti-inflammatory drugs. It may also affect lithium, methotrexate, rifampin, and anticoagulants.  Talk to your pharmacist or physician if you are taking these drugs together.